Does anyone really consider this burning issue when actually riding their bicycle?
I select the gearing combination that matches the terrain, wind conditions, cadence and level of effort I feel like putting out w/o agonizing over chain speed vs. wear and relative humidity.
Constant maximum cross-chaining on crud encrusted un-lubricated worn out chains and cogs is ill-advised, other than that........

What I find more interesting is how many riders have zero idea of what the actual gear range and progression of gearing is fitted to their machines, and how to effectively use it.

-Bandera